Integration and Autonomy of People with Disabilities

People in the United States are profoundly uncomfortable with people who have disabilities, especially significant or visible disabilities. This has led, consciously or unconsciously, to health care, housing, and employment that segregates people with disabilities from the rest of society. Even when that segregation costs the government and taxpayers more money than integration would cost, the predisposition to keep people with disabilities away from public view has been a guiding force in the structure of society and government-funded programs.